(Clearwisdom.net) Invited by the Third NTDTV International Chinese Vocal Competition, world-famous Shen Yun Performing Arts performed on August 2, 2009 at the State University of New York (SUNY) Purchase College Performing Arts Center in Westchester, New York, the same night of the final round of the vocal competition. The pure compassion and beauty of the performance deeply impressed the audience. They responded with a long round of applauses and enjoyed the show wholeheartedly.

Shen Yun performs to a fully packed house at Westchester Performing Arts Center in Purchase College, New York

It's the Pride of the Chinese people

Mr. Hu, who works in financial circles, and his mother

Mr. Hu especially invited his mother, who came from China to attend the Shen Yun performance. After the show, both mother and son were excited. Mr. Hu said that he was delighted to come to the show. The performance was amazing, especially the piece "Drummers of the Tang Court," which he said was majestic and vigorous. He said that the performance would promote the dissemination of traditional culture. "The traditional arts are well worth cherishing, and also very important to carry forward. The performers made a great effort and did a wonderful job."

Mr. Hu's mother said, "Each and every performance was wonderful. I'll introduce it to my relatives and friends when I return China. It's the pride of the Chinese people."

Ms. Lois T. Bronz, legislator of Westchester County

Ms. Lois T. Bronz is one of the legislators of Westchester County. She came to see the Shen Yun performance with her friends. They were mesmerized by the magnificence of the show. Ms. Bronz commended the show as outstanding, and the performers as professional. She said, "The message of spirituality conveyed in the show is wonderful and shows hope. Shen Yun brought such a brilliant message to Westchester, there was special meaning." She sincerely thanked the Shen Yun Performing Arts.

Gary, who works in a large rental company, enjoyed the Shen Yun performance

Gary enthusiastically applauded at the end of each and every program, and kept releasing sighs of admiration. He had high praise and said, "The show was fantastic, it reflected culture and tradition. I enjoyed it very much, as it was very enlightening and spectacular. I hope the Chinese people will enjoy freedom as they hope without the regime that oppresses them. The colors abounded, and were pleasing to eyes. The programs were tightly arranged, and the performers were well-coordinated. I could feel that good messages were radiated to the audience through them."

Gary's favorite performances in the first half were "Heaven Awaits Us Despite Persecution," and "Drummers of the Tang Court."

Geng Haolan, Gold Award winner of the female division of the Third International Chinese Vocal Competition said at intermission that this was the second time she attended the Shen Yun performance. "The show was fantastic, I cried each time I saw it."

Yu-Ju Lee, Silver Award winner of the female division participated in the vocal competition for the second time, and also saw the Shen Yun performance for the second time. She said, "The show was really beautiful, the music and dance were coordinated perfectly, and the costumes were gorgeous."

Regarding the programs in the first half of the show, Ms. Lee said that the dance "Drummers of the Tang Court" was very unique, with male dancers combining strength and flexibility. The use of fans in the dance "Welcoming Spring" was special and full of changes. The fans could even change into a round shape. The piece "Chopsticks Zest" had a great sense of rhythm. She said that she enjoyed everything.

Yun-ju Chen, Honorable Mention recipient in the female division repeated three times, "The show was beautiful, really graceful!" She said that Chinese dance indeed is very unique, with many things in it that cannot be learned in Western Art. She wanted to go to learn Chinese dance after attending the show.

Coco Chen, Bronze Award winner, praised the show as excellent. The colors had Chinese characteristics. She was familiar with the Chinese ethnic dances and drums, as well as some ancient stories such as Yue Fei, Sun Wukong and so on. The dance that left the deepest impression on her was "Welcoming Spring" She said that the two handkerchiefs revolved together, which was very difficult to do. The first piece "Creation," was also very impressive.

Alvin Tan, Honorable Mention recipient in the male division said that the show was absolutely stunning. The music was amazing and very traditional. This was the first time that he heard western instruments playing eastern music. It was so pleasant to the ear, and the combination was perfect. He was very pleased. The performance was beautiful, too. His favorite piece was "Heaven Awaits Us Despite the Persecution." In particular, when seeing the scene in which the good person ascended to heaven after being killed in the persecution, he felt very moved.

Mr. Tan said that he had learned a lot from the show, including about Chinese traditional culture. Born in Singapore, he was not totally familiar with the Chinese culture. He said that he wanted to further study the Chinese culture after having seen the show.

Kai Yi Min, another Honorable Mention recipient, found the show to be powerful. "In particular, seeing so many people work together to carry forward things bestowed upon us by gods, I was moved." She said that from the large-scale Shen Yun performance, she could see that all the staff had made great efforts, the performers have solid foundations, and the entire show was inspirational.

Shen Yun will be performing two shows in Birmingham, Alabama, on August 21 and 22 at the Concert Hall, Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. Then, five shows will be performed at Washington D.C.'s Kennedy Center Opera House from August 26 to 30. For more information please visit http://www.shenyunperformingarts.org/